Hide and Seek

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV)

My four-year-old thinks I am quite talented. He was in awe when I knew he had been eating a cookie he hid under the chair. “How did you know Mom?”, he asks in utter amazement. My daily work is with children and it is almost comical when they get caught doing something because they lack the learned art of hiding. Sadly, as we grow, we do learn that art and as humans we are often tempted to hide things like children. We hide things we are ashamed of; we hide secrets that could get us in trouble; or hide aspects of ourselves that are unlike Christ.

As I thought about this tendency to hide things, it reminded me of the classic game of hide and seek. One person hides and another seeks. The Bible says Satan is a roaring lion “seeking” whom he may devour.

The problem with hiding is that we seclude ourselves. That seclusion is exactly what the enemy desires. When we are secluded with our shame and guilt, it puts us in a perfectly vulnerable place for attack. That place is the opposite of where God wants us. He wants us in the light. Forgiven. Filled with grace and covered with love. Instead, we hide and the enemy finds us. He does not whisper words of encouragement and redemption. He whispers words that are divisive, words that ultimately cause bitterness and more hurt.

Let the Lord give you the strength to quit hiding today. When you truly surrender and fall into His arms, He will speak words of forgiveness. Let Him shower you with grace and love. Let Him lead you into the light and begin to feel the forgiveness and love that only He can offer.